You can sample cuisine from around the world this weekend at the Des Moines World Food & Music Festival without leaving Iowa.
During the annual festival, food and drinks from over 30 countries will be available to you this weekend.
When does the World Food & Music Festival take place?
The three-day festival begins on Friday, August 23rd and runs until August 25th.
Vendors will be on site from 11am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday. The festival runs from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
More: 11 Festivals in the Des Moines Area That Will Keep You Busy All Summer Long
Where does the World Food & Music Festival take place?
The World Food & Music Festival takes place at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines.
The festival was voted the sixth best urban food festival in the country by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023.
What music is played at the World Food & Music Festival?
Each day of the festival, up to five artists will perform on both stages. There is a main stage and a cultural stage with spoken word, dancers and more.
Main performances include:
Friday
Headliner (8pm): Parranderos Latin Combo
- 11 a.m.: Naturalization ceremony
- 12:30 pm: Lani
- 2:30 p.m.: Tired hikers
- 4:30 p.m.: Guitarras ATM
- 6 p.m.: Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band
Saturday
Headliner (8:30 p.m.): Brass Against
- 11am: Joshua Sinclair
- 12:30 p.m.: Let your energy flow in the Zumba class
- 3:30 p.m.: Eshangali Dance Academy – Dances from India
- 5pm: Leradee & The Positives
- 18:30: Beats y Bateria
Sunday
- 12pm: The Crowfoot Rakes
- 1:30 p.m.: Sons of Bossa
- 3:30 p.m.: Electric shock collar
What food will be available at the World Food & Music Festival?
This year, more than 60 vendors will offer food and drinks from all over the world. Some vendors include:
- Africa Food and Snacks
- Antojitos Lupitas
- Boba tea 168
- Cajun Belle
- Dumpling House
- Hawaiian Grill Food Truck
- Karam’s Grill
- Laotian flavors
The full list of vendors can be found on the World Food and Music Festival website.
Where to park at the World Food & Music Festival
During the festival, free parking is available to visitors in the Nationwide Parking Garage at the corner of Walnut and 12th Street.
There are several metered parking lots along 13th Street from Locust to Walnut. There is also on-street parking in the streets surrounding the festival grounds. Parking fees must be paid by 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
A free bicycle parking service is also available.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
